Geographic Scheduling: Impact on Home-Based Primary Care Productivity

One of the unique challenges home-based primary care practices face is determining an effective geographic scheduling and route planning process.  The ability to automate and/or optimize routing of patient visits is key to minimizing travel time for providers, boosting productivity and increasing face-to-face time with patients. Dedicating the time and thought into operationalizing the process of geographic scheduling will increase productivity, boost provider morale, and improve bottom line.

Some tips to remember when determining your scheduling outline and process:

• Define provider scheduling zones utilizing zip codes and/or service areas within proximity.
• Implement the use of Bing Maps and Google Maps can assist with defining appropriate zones and daily routes for providers.
• Utilize mapping/scheduling software such as CareLink and RoadWarrior to create reliable multi-destination routes.
• For smaller practices on a budget, the use of an Excel spreadsheet could assist in mapping out the areas the practice covers and grouping patients accordingly.
• Establish a process for the scheduling staff to follow that allows for grouping of future appointments together on days in which the provider will be in a defined area.
• When caring for patients in an assisted living or group home, ensure the scheduling staff maintains an accurate list of patients at each facility so patients are seen together when the provider is at the facility.
• High patient volume within a facility is a great opportunity to maximize provider productivity by designating set facility days.
• Recruit and hire providers who reside in a high patient population area so they can provide service with minimal travel time.

Interested in improving productivity Geographic Scheduling? Home Centered Care Institute will present a 30 minute HCCIntelligence™ Webinar on Wednesday, September 18 at 4 pm CST followed by Virtual Office Hours.